According to the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, U.S. aid to Israel since 1949 totals $84,854,827,200, or about $23,240 per Israeli in U.S. tax dollars. Israel has consumed, for decades, one-third of the total American foreign-aid budget. There is no doubt, with that much financial support, this country is complicit in Israel's blood-drenched rampages, but calling this country its "state sponsor" also diminishes Isreal's reponsibility for these chronic, disgraceful outrages. As "state sponsor" of strategic violence, it follows this country should benefit in some way, at least as shabby motivation for this demented course; but the U.S. draws no advantage from Israeli aggression, only the hatred of the Arab world, and the disrespect of the rest of the globe.

Whether or not Israel ends, depends on how it changes course, becomes more realistic about its place in the world, and begins serious negotiations with its neighbors, as do all other nations. But regardless of that, this country simply no longer can afford the inexcusable finanical burden Israel now entails.

"What Israel must come to understand very soon is that apartheid, oppression and intolerance never win."

I suspect that Israel recognizes this, but does not have the collective will to act morally on it.

My friend, happy new year and congratulations for receiving such hearty recommendations from our fellow contributors for your mimeograph of yet the latest prediction about the demise of Israel. Keep writing, because, like so many cookie-cutter assessments of all things Israel, in so many minds and in so many hearts you confirm with this the reason for Israel's existence and for the fact that it will endure, and it will thrive. This is so even though it is no longer the land of campfire girls and boys fresh from the gas chamber waiting lines and is now mired in seemingly intractable and often-times unjustifiable struggle.

The Jewish People have faced many tough times before, tougher than these, and we endure. But I can tell you that the Jewish People, and certainly Israelis, are used to having few friends outside of themselves. You like linear logic it seems; check out the thread of our history.

Now, while many of us bemoan what is being done by the government of Israel--some of us confused, some disgusted, some of us, like yours truly, both confused and disgusted, most Americans and most American Jews, and most Israelis, are firmly behind what is being done in Gaza. This could change when, G-d forbid, a civilian catastrophe is inflicted by the IDF of a magnitude that shakes our souls and breaks our hearts and turns the world against us once again. It is the risk now being taken, and those of us who push for a mutual ceasefire fear this greatly.

But, my friend, we will endure, Israel will endure, and I bet if you keep on writing catchy eulogies, there are many people, regardless of what Israel does, who will click that recommend button. But in the real world, you provide succor to those like the undersigned who love the existence of the Jewish State, and who see its essentiality. Indeed we love it, we support it, and we will strive to sustain our brothers and sisters there, and we will do it with knowledge of all of the warts and blemishes, and yes even shame when actions are taken that we cannot justify.

Happy New Year friend, and enjoy the merits of your linear logic and your 15 minutes of anonymous fame. My name, I write with pride and with love for my Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters, and with as much hope as you that there is peace and justice throughout the Levant, is

Bruce S. Levine
New York, New York